From “Isla Del Oro: Mythic Past, Dynamic Present, Golden Future”
Isla Del Oro Chamber of Commerce
The Legendary Island
In 1510, Amadis de Montalvo, son of a minor Spanish noble turned aspiring conquistador, was charged with exploring the lands north of present-day Mexico in the hope of finding futher riches for the Spanish empire.
A former author and an avid cartographer, Montalvo sent back a veritable river of detailed correspondance, including maps drawn by his own hand, including navigational data. Mentioned prominently in many of his letters was a strange and majestic island:
Know that on the left hand from New Spain exists an island populated by women, without any man existing there, because they live in the way of the Amazons. They have beautiful and robust bodies, and are brave and very strong. Their weapons are golden and so are the harnesses of the wild beasts that they were accustomed to domesticate and ride.
Montalvo named the island Isla Del Oro, the island of gold, and went into great detail regarding the peoples and riches, and most especially its layout and dimensions. Several times he described circumnavigating the island, the currents and depths surrounding it, and the wide, calm channel between it and the mainland.
Intrigued, but perhaps wishing some verification, the King ordered Hernan Cortes to move north, to assess this island and its people, and if possible, to conquer it for Spain. Cortes' reports were more restrained, speaking only of stories told by the natives rather than first-hand experience, but he confirmed the existence of the island and many of the geographic details in Montalvo's maps:
And in the same manner I was brought a story from the men of the province of Cihuatlán, which reinforced completely that there is an island populated by women, without a single male, and at certain times men come from the mainland, who are granted access by the women… and if they give birth to women [sic], they keep them; and if men, they throw them out of their company. I have seen that this island is ten days journey from this province; with a body of water between it and the mountains which is very easy to sail. The men tell me also that it is very rich in pearls and gold; I will prepare myself to know the truth and tell it at length to your majesty.
There is very little further mention of the island in letters from Cortes or his journals. Still, the island, and its name does appear on maps believed to have been made by his expedition, and on official maps, sometimes updated by other explorers, until as late as 1650. Today, we know the island was a mere myth, but the name is still used for the city which now stands on this legendary “island of gold”.
Can IDX Rise from the Dead?
--Sheila Hooten, Isla Del Oro
In 1974, long before the idea of airport as community center became popular, Isla Del Oro International Airport (IDX) was undergoing a transformation intended to make it a thriving commercial and civic center. Over four years, nearly $500 million was spent and over 4,000 people employed to create expansions including additional terminals, a convention center, shopping mall, and other business and community attractions.
Further plans for expansion and a proposed facelift were cancelled in 1981, despite groundwork having been laid the previous year.
Today, IDX is in trouble. Declining numbers of flights and unfavorable economic conditions have left the once-dynamic international center looking behind the times and out of date. But there are plans to revive the airport, focusing on its potential as a center for local business.
“The airlines have changed how they do business.” said Sam Yamamoto, Director of Planning at IDX. “We have to change with them, and we're in a very unique position to do that.”
Sam Yamamoto said that the airport is working closely with city officials and local businesses to revive Isla Del Oro International. Earlier this year, the airport used its distinctive “Concourse of Waves” to host an exhibit of painting and sculptures by locally and nationally known artists. Tax incentives are also being offered to businesses that move into the Gateway Shopping Complex, which opens onto the main concourse. City and airport officials also plan to re-open the airport's light rail station and streamline and enlarge the parking system to encourage traffic.
“There are a lot of people behind this project,” Mr. Yamamoto said. “There is a lot of energy and we know it can be done. In the next year, people are going to be very surprised. People will look at the aiport and say 'wow'!”
10 Free and Fun Things to See and Do in Isla Del Oro
From isladeloro.org
1) Butterfly Bridge
One of two structures in the city designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Butterfly bridge features pedestrian walkways across the entire span, allowing visitors an up-close look at the stunning motifs worked into the bridge's elegant design as well as a fantastic view of the Isla Del Oro Bay below and the city itself.
2) Ezra Branch Park
One of the nation's largest city parks, Ezra Branch Park covers nearly 200 acres of gently rolling ground and is popular with joggers, walkers, and dog owners along with sports enthusiasts. Wheelchair-accessible facilities include almost four miles of trails, bandstands amd pagodas, and athletic fields as well as plenty of open space. Nearly half of Ezra Branch Park is native marshland, with numerous streams and ponds. Visitors can also view the seven striking abstract iron sculptures at the west end of the park and on most days a beautiful panorama of the Sangre De Santos mountains.
There are frequently free concerts and other events sponsored by organizations in Isla Del Oro or neighboring Pismo Beach. Call 1-800-EBP-INFO or cluck on the "Events" button to the right.
3) The Fountains at Downtown Circle
Downtown circle, in the heart of the city, is surrounded by some of the most impressive and beautiful modern architecture in California. The cicular plaza is a popular spot for businesspeople, family, and tourists to enjoy lunch in the open air and warm California sunshine. Bring a picnic lunch and sit on one of many granite and marble benches, made from native stone to compliment the plaza's artful design. If you have children, they may enjoy playing in the fountains in the center of Downtown Circle. Sprays of water leap playfully up from the ground in intricate patterns, providing cool fun on a hot summer's day.
4) Isla Del Oro Public Library
Set among 38 acres of historic almond groves, The Isla Del Oro Public Library is free and open to the publuc year round. The Library offers a wide selection of books for all tastes, reading areas, internet access and high-speed Wi-Fi, media rooms, and more. Membership is free and there are quick and easy arrangements for those visiting from out of town. The Library is located in the northeast corner of Ezra Branch park, with easy access from the park and Oak Road.
5) Plow Beach Boardwalk
Famous for clams, seafood, and pier amusement rides, the Plow Beach Boardwalk also offers spectacular views of the Pacific and access to excellent public beaches year-round. Come watch surfers at play in the waves, enjoy the spectacular sunsets, or just sit down in the shade and people-watch. The Boardwalk also features numerous historical plaques for those interested in the area's rich history.
6) Point Viendo
Although acess to the Fort Hagan State Park is by paid admission only, a scenic lookout just off the main parking lot offers an unparalelled view of the Pacific Ocean, Fort Hagan, Isla Verde, and the spectacular cliffs north of the famous Heights neighborhood. Bring binoculars for a view of the Quinn Sounds Marine Wildlife sanctuary or the Crags, Isla Del Oro's unique small island neighborhoods. Landward one can see the majestic Sangre De Santos or catch a glimpse of the Saro Observatory. Visitors are cautioned to beware of extremely strong winds in the area.
7) Race Street Mission
Located on historic Race Street, the Mission is one of the oldest in California and part of the Mission Trail built by Spanish settlers in the 1500s. The Mission is only a few minutes from Downtown Circle by lightrail. Admission is free.
8) Scenic Driving in The Heights
The Heights are probably Isla Del Oro's most famous neighborhood. Tall hills to the north of the city feature sweeping avenues and thick oak forest, with glimpses of numerous homes dating back to the city's founding and the beautiful homes owned by many celebrities. A circuit of the area is a relaxing and beautiful way to spend an half-hour's drive.
9) Street Perfomers on Pearl Street
Pearl Street leads from the city's business district down to the Plough Beach Boardwalk. Lined with local businesses selling unique and often hand-made souveniers, crafts, and keepsakes, Pearl Street is also home to numerous street performers. Visitors can see puppeteers, magicians, jugglers, artists, and musicians. The shows are free, though donations are always appreciated.
10) Plow Beach
Plow Beach is home to the Plow Beach Boardwalk and the famous Plow Beach Pier. It is also an excellent public beach, with kid-friendly shallow waters that move out to challenging surf, offering something for everyone who wants to play in the Pacific. Plow Beach is also an excellent place to spread out a towel and catch some rays any time of year.
Mom and Dad,
Just wanted to let you know I'm here safe and sound. We landed at this Air Force base they call “Disneyland” and you can see why. It has internet and even a movie room. From here we'll be redeploying to our FOB in the hills but while I had the chance I thought I'd write.
We took off from IDX before the sun was up but there were still lots of people there just waving flags and holding up signs wishing us good luck. It was great to see people are still behind us even if they don't agree with the war. Reminds me of why I signed up.
Flying out I even got a window seat and we banked over the city as the sun came up. The whole place was gold with streetlights and the sun pouring over it like honey. Weirzbowsky is from Arroyo Grande which is one of “the six cities” which I guess is sort of like the boroughs of Manhattan but for Isla Del Oro. He says it's a bunch of pollen from the hills that make the air turn that color from the pine trees.
I was on the left side of the plane so as we turned you could see the airport with this chain of lights going out to sea. All the other planes coming in. You also could see this huge oil refinery right past the airport. I think that was a little ironic. I mean I know that's not supposed to be why we are here but America needs oil and it's better if it's not in the hands of some terrorist kingdom.
I'll always remember the city, this big bridge to the airport, and the refinery, with the lights going out to sea where the sun was coming up. It was a really beautiful picture of America and I think it says something about where the country is right now and where I am right now.
I love you both I'll try to call when I can and yes Mom I'll talk to the dog too.
Isla Del Oro Bay
Isla Del Oro Bay was discovered in 1510 by Spanish Conquistadors. Seeing it at a distance, they mistakenly believed the area to be surrounded by water, giving the name “Island of Gold”. The bay is formed by a downwarping of the Earth's crust due to the Montalvo fault line, which runs southwest through the city, then turns northeast at the coast and runs into the Pacific. The area was filled with water during the last ice age and remains so today. The bay is widest where it joins the sea and narrows rapidly as it moves toward the coast due to infill from coastal sediment. The bay is crossed by the 1,111-foot long Butterfly Bridge, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Its average depth of nearly 300 feet makes it useful for shipping, and is home to several large refineries and a busy cargo port. The bay is also home to the Dungeness Crab, Pacific Salmon, California Halibut, and is a stopover point for numerous waterfowl.